>> melissa, we're hearing signs of optimism about a potential deal. somewhere with an income tax threshold in the $400,000 to $500,000 range, not the $250,000 that president obama had been insisting on. although a source familiar with the talks told me a few minutes ago, if it goes between 400 and 500, democrats would get the full increase to 39.6. that is the clinton era rate, extension of unemployment benefits and increase in the estate tax. still the signs are that something is going to happen. in fact, bob corker, the senator from tennessee, was on with joe and i here from washington on "squawk box" and said there will be a deal, even if one that doesn't solve all of our long-term debt and deficit problems. here's bob corker. >> i do think there's going to be a resolve to this. the problem is, you know, we created this fiscal cliff to make some tough decisions. and none are going to be made. not one. >> so the question is going to be then, do the tough decisions on spending get made in january and february, running up to the debt limit. we'll see